Network Rail has put up its second 15 metre high steel mast in west Wiltshire within three weeks, prompting protests from villagers.

The communications mast, which allows continuous communication between train drivers and signallers, was put up in Lambourn Lane, Edington, last month.

It comes after the firm put up a mast in Barton Farm Country Park, Bradford on Avon, three weeks ago. Neighbours labelled it as “environmental vandalism”.

Edington Parish Council chairman George Fraser said: “The council is not notified about developments such as these, which we think is unusual. We’re unhappy about the mast being so big – it can be seen from Bratton and West Ashton Road. It sits in front of two houses and in our opinion is an eyesore.”

Peter McCormack lives with his wife June in one of the bungalows. He said: “We had conformation that a mast was going to go up about a month ago but we didn’t think it would be as high as it is. There was also nothing in the letter about the building at the bottom of the mast.

“We used to be able to see right across the fields to Steeple Ashton and there was nothing in the way, which is one of the reasons why we prefer to live in the country.

“If it was camouflaged that would be better.”

Network Rail, which is exempt from planning regulations when building on its own land, said it contacted the former West Wiltshire District Council and villagers, to tell them about the mast during a six-week consultation period.

Mavis Choong, of Network Rail, said they had notified the local authority and community beforehand.

She said: “This site is chosen because it is furthest away from residential properties and trees in the area also provide some screening.

“The railway communications system will enable an upgrade of the radio system. This new radio system will, for the very first time, allow direct and continuous communication between train drivers and signallers, which will improve safety, reliability and punctuality on the rail network.”

Godfrey Marks, of the Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust, which is leading the campaign to have the mast in Bradford moved, said the group has since had a discussion with the Cotswold Conservation Board and Network Rail.

He said: “Moving the installation to a less prominent position seems to be a possibility, subject to the technical requirements of an engineer’s report.”

In response to the Bradford issue, the spokeswoman said: “The current site was chosen because it is the furthest away from residents where we could still receive 100 per cent signal coverage. We have now heard the residents’ feedback and will be exploring ways to address their concerns.”